Romantic Getaways: A weekend on the Central Coast

On your next romantic getaway, leave the city behind and cruise 90 minutes north to the Central Coast, where sun, surf and a sea of sumptuous dining awaits. With its beautiful beaches, lush hinterland and sprawling national parks, this stretch of coastline is as scenic as it gets. Bounce from one beach town to the next, or don’t – either way, you’re in for a blissful break. Here’s where to eat, stay and play on the Central Coast.

Pearl Beach is one of the most charming pockets on the Central Coast, and this waterfront restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic lunch. The pretty pastels aside, Pearls is all about showcasing fresh produce in the most delicious ways.

Hardy Bay is home to a string of shops and cafes, and this one is always bustling. And for good reason – the team makes everything in house, from its crusty sourdough loaves to pies and pastries. Enjoy yours in the leafy courtyard, or take it up the hill to the Marie Byles lookout.

Nestled in the bushland of Mt White, Saddles is the shiniest new addition to the Central Coast’s foodie scene. Owned by the dream team behind Bombini, the menu supports local producers and wine-makers, with most produce plucked from the kitchen garden. If you don’t have time for a sit-down lunch, pop in to the bakehouse for a lamington with raspberry cream.

Sitting on two acres of lush gardens, this Italian restaurant is ready-made for romance. It’s known for its seasonal, sustainable menu (most of the ingredients are sourced on-site). Anything you order is guaranteed to be good – just trust us when we say to share the housemade sorbetti for dessert.

Yes, really! This boutique distillery is run by a herbalist turned genius gin maker, Phillip Moore. In 2012, his coffee liqueur Mr Black won the International Wine & Spirits Competition, then his lemon myrtle liqueur scooped up the award year later. Gin lovers, you’ll adore Moore’s Vintage Dry Gin, an aromatic spirit made with seven botanicals.

Sitting on the golden shores of Terrigal Beach, the local pub is perfect for sunset drinks. Over in Kincumber, the hotel has live music and open mic nights all week, along with the biggest cider bar on the Central Coast.

The Coast has 41 to choose from, but our picks are Terrigal Beach, Umina Beach, The Entrance Beach, Copacabana Beach and Lobster Beach for a more peaceful vibe. If you want to learn how to surf, sign up for a class together with The Central Coast Surf Academy.

Held on the fourth Sunday of the month, this market has over 100 stalls selling fashion, art and gourmet goodies by the water’s edge. It’s a celebration of all things local, with live music as the soundtrack.

Get a fresh air fix with the Patonga to Pearl Beach hike

Rise, shine and start your day the right way with this two-hour stroll. It starts at the Patonga Boat Ramp, before heading into the Brisbane Waters National Park. At Warrah Lookout, pause for breathtaking views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, and wear your cossies so you can go for a dip when you reach Pearl Beach. A more easygoing option is the Box Head track, which takes around an hour, while the Mooney Mooney Nature Walkis ideal for seasoned walkers.

Before you leave, make time to visit…

This national park is flush with rainforests, trails, beaches, bays and marine and wildlife. It’s also sprawling, so for a snapshot of everything the park has to offer, set off the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk – one of the most famous coastal walks in Oz. Pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy it at Maitland Bay or Gerrin Point Lookout, where you might spot migrating whales!

This Hamptons-inspired hotel put the Central Coast on the map when it opened in 2007, and it’s still going strong. Book in for a couples massage at the Day Spa, and then keep the blissful vibes going with lunch at the in-house Italian restaurant, Manfredi. It’s incredible.

This travelling food market pops up in the Central Coast every Friday night. Take your tastebuds on a trip though the street food stalls, which serve up Spanish, Filipino, Indian, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Italian delights.

Romantic stays

Sitting on eight acres of immaculate gardens, this boutique hotel is – in a word – luxe. There are 25 private rooms on offer, and the one-bedroom cottages, king and spa suites, and lakeview villas are adults-only.

Perched on the fringe of Bouddi National Park, Pretty Beach House is made up of four glamorous guesthouses plus a restaurant and spa. Book Treetops, and you’ll wake up to eucalyptus trees and ancient angophoras.